This increase in renewables was led by wind and solar, which combined increased from 12 percent to 14 percent of the U.S.'s overall electricity generation in 2022, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Texas was the largest state contributor of wind power at 25 percent, and California generated the largest amount from solar at 26 percent. Texas was also the top state for coal and natural gas.
When did renewable energy surpass coal energy in the U.S. for the first time?
Answer: Last year.
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The U.S. continues to make progress on transitioning to more sustainable energy sources, albeit slowly. Renewables last year finally surpassed coal, which has been on a steady decline in recent years, as a source of electricity in the country.
This increase in renewables was led by wind and solar, which combined increased from 12 percent to 14 percent of the U.S.'s overall electricity generation in 2022, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Texas was the largest state contributor of wind power at 25 percent, and California generated the largest amount from solar at 26 percent. Texas was also the top state for coal and natural gas.
While this increase in renewable sources is notable, it is still far below our usage of natural gas, which remained the top source of electricity generation in 2022. It even saw an increase over 2021, going from 37 percent to 39 percent of the country’s overall generation. So while we’re making progress, we still have a long way to go.
This increase in renewables was led by wind and solar, which combined increased from 12 percent to 14 percent of the U.S.'s overall electricity generation in 2022, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Texas was the largest state contributor of wind power at 25 percent, and California generated the largest amount from solar at 26 percent. Texas was also the top state for coal and natural gas.
